Miscellaneous - Page 8 - horsefaq.com

4. If you are joining the hunt as a regular subscriber, get an introduction to the master as soon as possible. If you are only out for the day it is not necessary.
5. Unless you are quite sure that your horse is quiet with hounds, keep away from them as much as possible at the meet.
6. If hounds pass you in a roadway, turn your horse's head towards them, to avoid the possibility of kicking one.
7. If your horse kicks at other horses you must put a piece of red ribbon on his tail, high up, as a warning. Do not think, however, that this is all you need do. You must avoid getting into a crowd and do all you can to prevent anyone being kicked.
8. During a run keep well back from hounds, in order to give them a chance to hunt.
9. When they are drawing covert, keep still and don't make a noise.
10. Remember that hounds often turn down a hedgerow, so if you are close to them do not jump the fence too soon or you may jump on one. Don't be too eager to jump the fence first.
11. If you see a fox breaking cover unobserved, don't halloa 'gone away' until he has really gone. To count twenty before holloaing was the motto of Jorrocks, and it is a very sound one.
12. Don't gallop over seeds if you can help it. Remember that every foot-mark on grass seed kills. This does not apply to wheat, but it is best, nevertheless, to avoid all seeds if you can.
13. Don't gallop over roots. Any bruise is bad for them, and you can do much damage in a short time.
14. If you are the last, see that you close the gates, especially if there are cattle about.
15. Make every effort to avoid doing damage. If your horse is a bad jumper the hunting field is not the place to school him.
16. When your horse has had enough it is time to go home, whatever the hour may be. Don't think it is 'sporting' to stop out on a tired horse.
17. Don't interfere with straggling hounds. The thong of your crop is not for that purpose.
18. If you see sheep or cattle making for an open gate, do all you can to stop them by cracking your whip, etc. (If, however, you haven't practised this at home it is better not to try it in the hunting field.)
19. Don't jump unnecessary places. A fence should be regarded more as an obstacle to avoid than a 'joy' jump.
20. Never 'cut in'. Always wait your turn at a gap. It is better to lose a place or two than to jump before you should.
21. When you have finished, endeavour to get your horse back to his stable as soon as you can. A steady trot home is better than a dawdle. But don't go home fast and bring your horse in hot.
22. There is no harm in allowing your horse to water on the way home, so long as you keep him warm by walking on quietly afterwards.
23. Don't ride in bandages.
24. Don't put a coloured brow-band on the bridle.
25. A hunt is not a steeplechase. It doesn't matter who jumps first. The wiser ones jump after a lead.

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